Which Salt mix is best for a Reeef tank?

soosberries · 11/30/2011, 12:50 AM

I'm getting back in the hobby after taking the last five years off to build a couple 70's Muscle cars. Starting with a 60 gal Softie tank and was wondering what's the best salt mixture that's readily available at most LFS and why you like the product? When I left the hobby, I was using Reef Crystals but so many things have changed in the last 5 years, I was wondering if there is a better choice out there?

Thanks in advance your replies -
Norm

jamesbaur13 · 11/30/2011, 01:41 AM

In terms of chemistry I can't really help you.

All that I can advise to you based off my experience is that the IO boxed salt seems to dissolve quicker than the IO bucket salts.

I haven't experimented with other mixes so far... just the regular ole IO.

falconut · 11/30/2011, 06:53 AM

There isn't really a best salt, it's more a personal preference. I've read plenty of threads where people are having great success with Reef Crystals. I prefer Oceanic. I've used it from the beginning and it's worked great for me, plus I don't have to add as much calcium aditives, since it comes elevated. You can go on the Chemistry forum of RC and see the measured levels of each brand. Then find the brand that you can easily get.

billdogg · 11/30/2011, 07:22 AM

The only brand I use is......whatever is on sale when I need salt. Because the various levels can and do differ not only between brands but also between batches of the same brand, you should test to see what, if anything , you might need to add to keep your system stable.

Randy Holmes-Farley · 11/30/2011, 07:23 AM

I agree that there is no best mix. Most will work fine, at least if you understand their issues.

There are big differences between them, including big differences in alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, and organics. Those differences in turn can have big implications for how you use them. For example, normal IO is fine stored unstirred in a trash can, while Reef Crystals is not due to organics that may degrade and drive the water anaerobic.

FWIW, I use normal IO and I boost it with a bit of calcium and magnesium.

Ron Reefman · 11/30/2011, 07:43 AM

I use IO as well and it's about the least expensive as well. I can get the 200g box for under $40. And I have used a 200g bucket of Tropic Marin Bio Actif which is at the opposite end of the spectrum at over $100 for a 200g bucket. I did 7 25g water changes over 14 days with the TM and I did see some changes in some of my corals and anemones. But right now I'm still considering if it's worth the difference and I'm leaning towards no. But I have bought another bucket of TM to see how it works over time.

BIG_KAHUNA · 11/30/2011, 07:47 AM

keep us posted on that Ron, curious about TM myself...!

jdhuyvetter · 11/30/2011, 07:48 AM

I've been using IO for years. I just bought 2, 200 gallon bags of Red Sea. I'm curious to see if there are any noticable changes.

Reef264 · 11/30/2011, 09:59 AM

I've tried darn near all of the Reef Salts out there.I must say that some of them come a little too elevated, some mixes come with Calcium over 550, Alk 14, Magnesium at 1500.In all honesty, I see why they give you more Cal, Alk, Mag, I just feel its a little bit much.I recently learned that when you buy salt, its meant to be see all at once to achieve the levels of said salt will give you.

I personally recently have not found a better salt mix than Tropic Marin, and Tropic Marin Bio-Actif.

Niven · 11/30/2011, 12:23 PM

It's really interesting to me to read these salt post over the years....if the OP starts like this OP did, every salt seems good enough, but if the OP starts saying how "XXX brand salt killed my tank, what salt should I switch to?" it seems people are so much more negative about salt brands.
JMO
Gareth

I had IO, but just bought reef crystals to try, I'm sure I'll be fine

aleonn · 11/30/2011, 01:37 PM

There's no one best salt, but according to mine and many others' experiences, you can't go wrong with IO/RC or Red Sea Coral Pro (which is what I use currently).

Ron Reefman · 11/30/2011, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIG_KAHUNA

keep us posted on that Ron, curious about TM myself...!

Scott

Will do. And for what it's worth, when I changed out 175g over 2 weeks (in a 350g system) my green bubble coral, ricordia, yumas and condy anemones all started expanding and inflating more than before. The affect on sps corals will take longer, I'm sure.

ttlee858 · 11/30/2011, 02:28 PM

Just get IO 200G box. You are most likely going to supplament your tank already so go with the best deal out there.

jsbzmcdaniel · 11/30/2011, 02:40 PM

I actually use a 50/50 mix of Instant Ocean and Oceanic to get the closest optimal mixture. I have had great luck with it since I made the change from 100% Instant Ocean.

AugustWest · 11/30/2011, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdhuyvetter

I've been using IO for years. I just bought 2, 200 gallon bags of Red Sea. I'm curious to see if there are any noticable changes.

Is it the Red Sea Coral Pro ? If it is be careful, I had a batch with extremely high Alk ( 16 dkh ! ) I'm back to using Instant Ocean...

The Regular Red Sea has low Alk.

Buzz1329 · 11/30/2011, 07:22 PM

I would recommend that you avoid the Morton's brand. Did not help my reef tank and raised my blood pressure too. Sheesh.

BLKTANG · 11/30/2011, 07:26 PM

There has been a million threads about this.Ive been using Reef Crystals for almost 10yrs,& its always worked great.I sup Ca with a reactor.

acasp4 · 11/30/2011, 07:35 PM

Sea chem Reef is really good IMO

jason2459 · 11/30/2011, 08:20 PM

Who made the better muscle cars Ford or Mopar

ridetheducati · 11/30/2011, 08:28 PM

Salt of the Month = KZ Reefers Best

jdhuyvetter · 11/30/2011, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AugustWest

Is it the Red Sea Coral Pro ? If it is be careful, I had a batch with extremely high Alk ( 16 dkh ! ) I'm back to using Instant Ocean...

The Regular Red Sea has low Alk.

Yes, but I do 30 gallon water changes in a 700+ gallon system. So, not to worried about a crash or spike.

But, will check it in advance. Thx

soosberries · 12/01/2011, 11:10 PM

I'm not sure that an award given to you by a distributor of your product accounts for anything when it comes to proven results other then potential sales by them but, your welcome to blow your own horn.

as all comets are welcome.
Comments from successful users of the products, whether your product or other companies product was the true intent of the posted question. If you want to send me a free sample of your product I would be glad to test it and post an unbiased opinion.

Norm

jason2459 · 12/01/2011, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soosberries

I'm not sure that an award given to you by a distributor of your product accounts for anything when it comes to proven results other then potential sales by them but, your welcome to blow your own horn.

as all comets are welcome.
Comments from successful users of the products, whether your product or other companies product was the true intent of the posted question. If you want to send me a free sample of your product I would be glad to test it and post an unbiased opinion.

Norm

It was also just released this year so it did have a lot of buzz and I'm sure had a lot of people searching on it and buying it to try it out. I'm certainly not saying it's not a good product which I'm sure it is. Red Sea seems to have always had a fairly consistent salt mix and don't see to many people complaining about it. Every salt mix out there you will find someone complaining about it and someone praising it.

MarineSniper · 12/01/2011, 11:28 PM

I started out using Kent Reef salt when I got back into the hobby. My calcium and alkalinity were always in the optimal range and it was priced just a little higher than IO

I came across 4 buckets of IO for $50 online and purchased it...obviously, for that price. My Ca dropped to a consistent 380, which I didn't like. Not wanting to waste the deal I got on the IO, I now mix it with the Kent, 50/50 and everything is fine again. When the IO is gone, I'll go back to the Kent or look into the TM.

The one thing I can say about the Kent is that I had to do absolutely no dosing (only 1 large sps, though) of any kind. IMO, it's hard to go wrong with, especially if you're just getting back in the hobby and don't want to start out dosing to bring your parameters into line

11/30/2011, 12:50 AM	#1
soosberries Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: arizona - central phoenix Posts: 412	Which Salt mix is best for a Reeef tank? I'm getting back in the hobby after taking the last five years off to build a couple 70's Muscle cars. Starting with a 60 gal Softie tank and was wondering what's the best salt mixture that's readily available at most LFS and why you like the product? When I left the hobby, I was using Reef Crystals but so many things have changed in the last 5 years, I was wondering if there is a better choice out there? Thanks in advance your replies - Norm

11/30/2011, 01:41 AM	#2
jamesbaur13 Apsiring Alhcohlolic Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 772	In terms of chemistry I can't really help you. All that I can advise to you based off my experience is that the IO boxed salt seems to dissolve quicker than the IO bucket salts. I haven't experimented with other mixes so far... just the regular ole IO. __________________ 120G AGA Dual Overflow, 40G B Sump, SRO-2000int, 2 Eheim 200w Heater, Eheim 1262 Return, BRS C & GFO React., BR-1000ss Biopellet React., Tunze 5017 ATO, 2 MP-40wes, DIY 76LED (36RB,24NW,6B,6CW,4Moon)

11/30/2011, 07:22 AM	#4
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	The only brand I use is......whatever is on sale when I need salt. Because the various levels can and do differ not only between brands but also between batches of the same brand, you should test to see what, if anything , you might need to add to keep your system stable. __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

11/30/2011, 07:23 AM	#5
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	I agree that there is no best mix. Most will work fine, at least if you understand their issues. There are big differences between them, including big differences in alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, and organics. Those differences in turn can have big implications for how you use them. For example, normal IO is fine stored unstirred in a trash can, while Reef Crystals is not due to organics that may degrade and drive the water anaerobic. FWIW, I use normal IO and I boost it with a bit of calcium and magnesium. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

11/30/2011, 07:43 AM	#6
Ron Reefman Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cape Coral, FL Posts: 10,431	I use IO as well and it's about the least expensive as well. I can get the 200g box for under $40. And I have used a 200g bucket of Tropic Marin Bio Actif which is at the opposite end of the spectrum at over $100 for a 200g bucket. I did 7 25g water changes over 14 days with the TM and I did see some changes in some of my corals and anemones. But right now I'm still considering if it's worth the difference and I'm leaning towards no. But I have bought another bucket of TM to see how it works over time. __________________ The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it. (Neil deGrasse Tyson) Visit my build thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2593017

11/30/2011, 06:53 AM	#3
falconut Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Blackwood, NJ Posts: 3,813	There isn't really a best salt, it's more a personal preference. I've read plenty of threads where people are having great success with Reef Crystals. I prefer Oceanic. I've used it from the beginning and it's worked great for me, plus I don't have to add as much calcium aditives, since it comes elevated. You can go on the Chemistry forum of RC and see the measured levels of each brand. Then find the brand that you can easily get.

11/30/2011, 07:47 AM	#7
BIG_KAHUNA Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: 4.815 S 162.342 E Posts: 478	keep us posted on that Ron, curious about TM myself...! __________________ Scott

11/30/2011, 07:48 AM	#8
jdhuyvetter SWFMAS Event Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Lehigh Acres, Florida Posts: 2,179	I've been using IO for years. I just bought 2, 200 gallon bags of Red Sea. I'm curious to see if there are any noticable changes. __________________ Be kind to animals.....kiss a shark! "Great things happen when you start to add more light. The heavens open, angels sing and there is Peace on Earth" RockDoc Current Tank Info: 300 gallon stony reef, 300 gallon softie tank, 120 gallon FW/Orchid tank

11/30/2011, 09:59 AM	#9
Reef264 Where's The Reef? Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Southaven, Ms Posts: 2,098	I've tried darn near all of the Reef Salts out there.I must say that some of them come a little too elevated, some mixes come with Calcium over 550, Alk 14, Magnesium at 1500.In all honesty, I see why they give you more Cal, Alk, Mag, I just feel its a little bit much.I recently learned that when you buy salt, its meant to be see all at once to achieve the levels of said salt will give you. I personally recently have not found a better salt mix than Tropic Marin, and Tropic Marin Bio-Actif. __________________ I'd rather Die on my feet, than Live on my Knees. Current Tank Info: 150g SPS Reef, 2x250w 14k Pheonix Metal Halides w/T-5 Actinics, 2 Tunze 6095's, Tunze 7096 controller, Ozone, Precision Marine Skimmer, Reef Octopus Bio-Churn Bio Pellet Reactor, GFO & Carbon Reactor, Ozone Reactor, ATO, Reef Keeper.

11/30/2011, 12:23 PM	#10
Niven Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Brookfield, Wisconsin Posts: 1,318	It's really interesting to me to read these salt post over the years....if the OP starts like this OP did, every salt seems good enough, but if the OP starts saying how "XXX brand salt killed my tank, what salt should I switch to?" it seems people are so much more negative about salt brands. JMO Gareth I had IO, but just bought reef crystals to try, I'm sure I'll be fine __________________ "My dog is usually pleased with what I do, because she is not infected with the concept of what I should be doing." Wisconsin Reef Society Founder Current Tank Info: Dried out tank :(

11/30/2011, 01:37 PM	#11
aleonn Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 4,041	There's no one best salt, but according to mine and many others' experiences, you can't go wrong with IO/RC or Red Sea Coral Pro (which is what I use currently).

11/30/2011, 02:28 PM	#13
ttlee858 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: NoVa Posts: 15	Just get IO 200G box. You are most likely going to supplament your tank already so go with the best deal out there.

11/30/2011, 02:40 PM	#14
jsbzmcdaniel Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Prosper, TX Posts: 2,585	I actually use a 50/50 mix of Instant Ocean and Oceanic to get the closest optimal mixture. I have had great luck with it since I made the change from 100% Instant Ocean.

11/30/2011, 07:22 PM	#16
Buzz1329 Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Staten Island Posts: 2,414	I would recommend that you avoid the Morton's brand. Did not help my reef tank and raised my blood pressure too. Sheesh.

11/30/2011, 07:26 PM	#17
BLKTANG Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Never,Never Land Posts: 7,061	There has been a million threads about this.Ive been using Reef Crystals for almost 10yrs,& its always worked great.I sup Ca with a reactor. __________________ We the few have done so much,for so long,for so little.That we are now qualified to do anything with nothing. ____________________________________________________________________________ Current Tank Info: RR 90 Maganvore sump,250w Hamilton fixture,VorTec's ASM skimmer.

11/30/2011, 07:35 PM	#18
acasp4 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 445	Sea chem Reef is really good IMO

11/30/2011, 08:20 PM	#19
jason2459 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Iowa Posts: 9,671	Who made the better muscle cars Ford or Mopar __________________ rebuild and recovery log: No more red house, you'll have to click on my name and visit my homepage! You can check out my parameters at reeftronics dot net website and look for my username. Current Tank Info: 180g mixed reef w/ a beananimal overflow to a dolomite RRUGF. \| 20g long G. Smithii Mantis Tank

11/30/2011, 08:28 PM	#20
ridetheducati 20 and Over Club Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Bowie, MD Posts: 2,968	Salt of the Month = KZ Reefers Best __________________ "Send more paramedics" Current Tank Info: 300g DD, SPS dominated, Apex, Tunze 6125s, ATB 1050, 400w MH, and Geo 618 Ca Reactor

12/01/2011, 11:10 PM	#22
soosberries Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: arizona - central phoenix Posts: 412	Salt mixes I'm not sure that an award given to you by a distributor of your product accounts for anything when it comes to proven results other then potential sales by them but, your welcome to blow your own horn. as all comets are welcome. Comments from successful users of the products, whether your product or other companies product was the true intent of the posted question. If you want to send me a free sample of your product I would be glad to test it and post an unbiased opinion. Norm Last edited by soosberries; 12/01/2011 at 11:12 PM. Reason: added horn blower for fun

12/01/2011, 11:28 PM	#24
MarineSniper Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 554	I started out using Kent Reef salt when I got back into the hobby. My calcium and alkalinity were always in the optimal range and it was priced just a little higher than IO I came across 4 buckets of IO for $50 online and purchased it...obviously, for that price. My Ca dropped to a consistent 380, which I didn't like. Not wanting to waste the deal I got on the IO, I now mix it with the Kent, 50/50 and everything is fine again. When the IO is gone, I'll go back to the Kent or look into the TM. The one thing I can say about the Kent is that I had to do absolutely no dosing (only 1 large sps, though) of any kind. IMO, it's hard to go wrong with, especially if you're just getting back in the hobby and don't want to start out dosing to bring your parameters into line

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